The three buffalo species- bigmouth, smallmouth, and black-are among the largest fish available to freshwater anglers, with all species commonly exceeding 40 pounds in some areas. Their potential size attracts European visitors eager to test tackle on fish that superficially look like carp and can sometimes be taken with similar techniques. But these tremendous sportfish are ignored by most native anglers.

Tackle

Rod: 7- to 12-foot medium-heavy-power spinning rod.

Reel: large-capacity spinning reel.

Line: 14- to 20-pound-test abrasion-resistant mono.

 

Species

The bigmouth buffalo is the largest and most widespread of the three species. They are the only sucker with a terminal mouth instead of the typical subterminal position like suckers and carp. This feature and many long gill rakers enable the bigmouth to filter zooplankton from the water. Large schools often swim through midwater areas to feed.

Smallmouth buffalo are widespread in the central United States. Their body is deeper and more slab-sided than the rounder bigmouth. Smallmouths typically inhabit clearer, faster waters than bigmouths, though they may school together. They're opportunistic bottom feeders, taking larval insects, clams, invertebrates, and vegetation. They often inhale a mouthful of gravel, separate edible items, then spit out the rock.

Black buffalo appear intermediate between the other two species in habitat preference and appearance, which led commercial fishermen to label it the mongrel buffalo. Its limited range and abundance, and its confusion with other species, limits our knowledge of the black buffalo's habitat preferences. It seems, however, to prefer deeper water and stronger currents than do the other two species.

Rigging

When anglers fishing for walleyes, panfish, or carp catch a large buffalo, the battle is exhilarating if not exhausting. Bigmouth buffalo often take jigs tipped with minnows fished in channels or near wing dams and other current breaks. For best results especially for smallmouth and black buffalo, keep baits on the bottom. Drift rigs consisting of a dropper line with lead shot and a leader with a small hook baited with a worm or paste bait work well for checking spots in steams and midsize rivers. In large rivers, anchor baits with a bell sinker on a three-way swivel rig. Natural food items like insect larvae, native snails, and earthworms are the best baits.

Presentation

Shore fishing works best when buffalo congregate in backwaters. Set rods in holders with sensitive bite indicators. Like carp, buffalo bite delicately but make long, powerful runs once hooked, so the drag must be smooth and correctly set. While anglers occasionally land big buffalo on light tackle, plan to gear up in waters with 30-, 40-, or even 50-pound fish.